Gastric Sleeve

What is Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Gastric Sleeve surgery falls under the category of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). It involves the removal of around 80% of the stomach, creating a 'sleeve' shape.

This alteration reduces the amount of food you consume while preserving nutrient absorption, resulting in gradual and safe weight loss.

How much does a Gastric Sleeve cost?

It's important to be aware that cosmetic surgery costs are subject to change and are dependent on the patient's physical requirements and desired outcome.

Patients will be given a guide price during their eConsult and a fixed cost during the surgeon consultation.

Book a FREE eConsult today for a bespoke gastric sleeve surgery cost.

Benefits of a Gastric Sleeve

For those struggling with losing weight, Gastric Sleeve surgery offers numerous advantages, including:

• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced strain on weight-bearing joints

• Enhanced heart health

• Increased energy levels

Benefits specific to gastric sleeve surgery include:

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure

• Sustainable, long-term weight loss

• Suppression of appetite-inducing hormone (ghrelin)

• Potential loss of 62-63% of excess weight

Side effects of Gastric Sleeve surgery

Like any type of surgery, Gastric Sleeve surgery carries risks and side effects, such as:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Stomach leakage

• Gastrointestinal obstruction

• Hernia

• Acid reflux

• Low blood sugar

• Vomiting

It's important to note that Gastric Sleeve surgery is irreversible and involves its own anaesthetic-related risks and side effects.

After a full health assessment, your MYA surgeon will run through all possible side effects during your consultations, and highlight how likely you are to experience them, so you know exactly what to expect.

It's important to be aware that mild side effects will be expected due to such a big change internally. However, if you're worried about how you're feeling post-op don't hesitate to call your local MYA clinical hub for some guidance.

Gastric Sleeve surgery overview

Prior to your Sleeve Gastrectomy, you'll be given general anaesthesia to ensure you remain unconscious and comfortable throughout the procedure. Here's a glimpse of the process:

• Surgeons create small incisions in the upper abdomen

• A laparoscope(small tube), equipped with a camera, is inserted through one incision, providing a visual guide

• A portion of the stomach is removed, and the remaining part is shaped into a long, sleeve-like tube

The whole process takes around 1-2 hours depending on physical requirements and the desired/most suitable outcome.

Is Gastric Sleeve right for you?

If your body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40 or is above 35 with weight-related ailments like type 2 diabetes, Gastric Sleeve surgery could be a solution. Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is also used to resolve conditions like:

• High blood pressure

• Strokes

• Infertility

• Heart disease

• Severe sleep apnea

Gastric Sleeve surgery doesn't mean you'll experience rapid weight loss. In order to achieve the best results and lose weight effectively, you need to be ready to adopt a new lifestyle and dietary habits post-surgery is essential. This includes regular and high-intensity exercise habits, as well as a healthy, balanced diet.

Gastric Sleeve surgery recovery

Following the procedure, a night's stay in the hospital ensures a smooth recovery. You may experience initial discomfort and swelling in the stomach, which is manageable with suitable pain relief.

You're also likely to experience:

• Fatigue

• Feeling cold

• Dry skin

• Hair loss and thinning

• Mood swings

• Flu-like symptoms

These symptoms are likely to reduce after the first 6 months and are just your body reacting to a sudden change in weight.

Guidance on your post-surgery diet will be provided, starting with a liquid diet for the first two weeks, followed by pureed food in week three and soft food in week four.

To maintain your health, you will need to take a multivitamin twice a day and calcium supplements. To help with your body's blood and nerve cells, a B-12 injection is also recommended once a month.

Expect some discomfort and fatigue initially, gradually improving as your body adapts to the digestive system changes. Plan for up to 2 weeks off work, with a return to your usual routine, including exercise, after 6 weeks.